Tag: transport mode

Scania signs three-year deal with Unipart to manage service parts centre in Kunshan, China

Unipart is managing logistics operations at Scania’s new Chinese service parts distribution centre in Kunhan, China.

Car and truck makers adapt transport planning to increase the use of EVs

The rise of the electric passenger car has a longer history than most suppose but now carmakers are engaged with making inbound and outbound transport modes electric as well, which makes for a greener supply chain altogether.

Plus Automation and Churchill IX merge to form PlusAI, with AI-led virtual drivers for autonomous trucking

An AI-based autonomous trucking software has seen success in trials completed with DSV and IVECO. PlusAI, the company behind the software, eyes partnerships with OEMs such as Traton Group and Hyundai as integral to scaling adoption.

Rivian exec confirms its software will form the basis of Volkswagen EVs, following joint venture

The EV company’s chief software officer, Wassym Bensaid, has revealed that Volkswagen will leverage Rivian’s software across all its upcoming vehicles. The announcement follows a $5 billion joint venture between the two companies.

Rare earth magnet shortage disrupts global auto production

China produces almost 70% of rare earth magnets but exports are now tied up in lengthy license applications, prompting supply and shortage concerns.

UECC adds Blue Heritage dual-fuel LNG vessel to European network

UECC is boosting capacity along with sustainble ocean services options for carmakers with the addition of a dual-fuel car carrier with 7,000 CEU capacity.

James Todd Kloeb, former head of material planning and logistics for the Americas at Ford, joins Lucid Motors as global vice president of MP&L

James Todd Kloeb announced the news on social media, with it following a three-decade long stint at Ford. His role is expected to encompass global supply chain planning.

Toyota is considering moving production of the GR Corolla from Japan to the UK

While the news is not yet official, sources say that Toyota will add an additional production line to its Burnaston plant to try and meet demand for the sports model. If the move goes ahead, production is expected to begin mid-2026.

In the latest management change from Stellantis, current COO Antonio Filosa has been promoted to CEO

The resignation of previous CEO Carlos Tavares kickstarted a wave of changes in Stellantis’ boardroom. The appointment of a new CEO could point to a return to stability, as Antonio Filosa brings decades of experience from across several Stellantis brands to the role.

Panattoni completes work on Mercedes-Benz’s International Consolidation Centre

[Updated May 27] Mercedes-Benz is ready to open its International Consolidation Centre in Germany, which will bundle and preassemble parts for distribution to its global production locations.

Ryan Kraft takes over as CEO from Mark Anderson at United Road

Ryan Kraft takes over as CEO at United Road, building on 15 years at the leading US finished vehicle provider.

NxtPort launches the government- and port-backed Inbound Release Platform to help inbound cargo flows

(Updated 23rd May 2025) The Inbound Release Platform (IRP), which went live at the beginning of April, is now in effect at all Belgium seaports. It acts as a central data sharing site for various stakeholders including customs agents and LSPs, streamlining customs compliance.

When disruption won’t quit, the 2025 Finished Vehicle Logistics conference shared how to stay balanced and agile

The Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025 conference revealed how leading OEMs are redesigning logistics to thrive amid trade shocks, EV disruption and capacity constraints. From agile planning to modular networks and EV-ready lanes, Automotive Logistics unpacks the sector’s shift from fragile to future-ready.

Greek port of Piraeus reports decline in vehicle volumes in 2024 but increase in revenue

Vehicle throughput at the Greek port of Piraeus was down in 2024 but the port authority has recorded an increase in revenue and will benefit from a new joint venture between Cosco Shipping and Neptune Lines.

US trade organisations sign letter urging US Trade Representative to refrain from charging steep port fees on China-related vessels

During this week’s hearing in Washington DC, trade organisations from across US industry have signed a letter urging the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to row back on its proposal to impose heavy fees on China-made vessels calling at US ports.

Red Sofa interview | Peter Hörndlein on how VW is building a more flexible, sustainable and future-ready vehicle logistics network

Peter Hörndlein outlines VW’s flexible logistics strategy, from tackling disruption to investing in sustainable transport solutions.

Jaxport completes first stage of $60m berth expansion at Blount Island vehicle terminal as Toyota prepares to expand operations

The port of Jacksonville has completed first of two berth expansions designed to accommodate bigger car carrier vessels which will help it manage turnaround as vehicle volumes increase, not least for Toyota.

Toyota is making its own batteries at a plant in North Carolina and will be begin local supply in April

Toyota will be begin shipping lithium batteries from its own plant in North Carolina from April this year, beginning with deliveries by truck to its Kentucky assembly plant in Georgetown

How Trump’s Panama Canal threat could reshape the automotive supply chain

In his inauguration speech, second-term US president Donald Trump promised to “retake” the Panama Canal, claiming it was operated by China.

Transforming automotive logistics: Key insights from ALSC DS Europe 2024 day 1

Catch the key moments from Day 1 in Munich! From diversity and talent forums to cutting-edge AI and robotics, we explored how innovation is transforming the automotive supply chain.

Mexico’s port and rail network has improved since the failures in 2023 with expanded terminals and tracks

Veracruz port has dealt with last year’s congestion problems by adding capacity for more than 30,000 vehicles and there have also been improvements to previously disrupted rail services, according to speakers at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico conference

BMW’s sustainable packaging solutions for overseas component shipping: when cardboard is worth more than gold

In the automotive industry, it’s not just about propulsion and driving dynamics. Sometimes, it’s the subtle things that make a difference – especially when it comes to sustainability. Here’s the story of a cardboard box that goes on a world tour.

Toyota inaugurates vehicle mega hub in Czech Republic with support from Ceva Logistics

Toyota Motor Europe’s (TME) new €17m ($18m) mega hub in Kolín, Czech Republic, now processes up to 350,000 vehicles annually, streamlining pre-delivery customisation. With integrated rail links, the hub also helps TME reduce carbon emissions, supporting its sustainability goals over previous logistics models.

Addressing transport capacity shortfalls in North America with collaboration and investment

Moving finished vehicles in North America has been made difficult by a shortage of transport capacity, but speakers at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global conference revealed the benefits ahead through investment in transport assets, a better multimodal strategy and stronger contracts between OEMs and logistics providers.

BMW’s Hendrik Lang on achieving sustainable automotive supply chains

Hendrik Lang, BMW’s senior vice-president of supply chain strategy and sustainability, attended London Climate Action Week in June. He talks BMW’s successes with carbon contracts, collaboration and convincing suppliers of sustainability’s benefits. Report by Ilkhan Ozsevim

Turkey announces 40% tariff on Chinese vehicle imports as EU imposes multi-band tariffs against Chinese OEMs

Turkey’s new tariff on Chinese vehicle imports highlights global concerns over China’s subsidised EV exports. Meanwhile, the EU has announced its own tariffs on Chinese EVs, ranging from 17.4% to 38.1%.

Trade wars: The rise of protectionism and its impact on finished vehicle logistics

Economic competition between China, the EU and the US intensifies with protectionist policies expanding to counter China’s EV ‘dumping’ strategies into broadly western regions that upset ‘fair’ competition

BMW’s secret to success is preparation

The heads of global vehicle distribution at BMW Group – Eugen Schantini and Thomas Wiech – tell Marcus Williams about the network strategy and tools the carmaker is using to manage disruption, secure capacity and plan ahead for a more sustainable outbound supply chain

Red Sofa Interview: Jean-Marc Carlicchi on Renault’s next step in digitalisation

At ALSC Europe in Bonn, Germany last week, Jean-Marc Carlicchi, VP of Supply Chain Engineering at Renault Group took to the Red Sofa with Christopher Ludwig, Chief of Content, to talk about the OEM’s digitalisation journey.

An automotive supply chain in transition – the year in review

This year has seen investments in supply chain resilience and the adoption of digital technology across the global automotive sector continue, with some positive developments in terms of inbound parts deliveries and greater supply chain transparency supported by digital technology, though strike action by the United Auto Workers union has taken its toll on production in the US in the fourth quarter.

VW Group accelerates digital supply chain transformation as part of Cofinity-X partnership

VW Group adopts cutting-edge Catena-X services, enhancing transparency, sustainability and efficiency in automotive supply chains

Insights from ECG conference: steering sustainability in European vehicle logistics and beyond

Automotive logistics leaders prioritised action over measurement for carbon emissions at this year’s conference held by the Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG). Regulatory support, tech diversity, collaboration and trust were flagged as key actions for long-term success.

Who will tackle North American rail capacity shortages?

OEMs and their customers are feeling the pain from delivery delays and capacity shortages in rail services. Greg Thompson expores what the industry is doing to fix the problem.

European Commission proposes longer loaded truck length for vehicle logistics

The European Commission has made a proposal to extend the length of loaded trucks used in finished vehicle logistics, which would allow logistics firms to move vehicles more efficiently across the continent.

Seven new car carriers to be built for Anji shipping

Two vessels from Jinling are expected to be delivered by November 2025, with a second batch of two at the end of March 2026. The three from Jiangnan are also expected in two batches, the first in October 2025 and the second also in March 2026.

Watch: Renault’s Digital Supply Chain Transformation

Watch how Renault is streamlining global logistics with real-time visibility with Shippeo, and learn more about how the automotive industry can create more predictive, automated supply chains.

Six notes on a supply chain crisis: key takeaways from ALSC Global 2022

Summing up what was said at this year’s Detroit event: flexibility rules the waves of logistics, but supply chain managers want better visibility and data to make decisions, while investing in the right skills and labour.

Pay rise placates US rail freight unions after long stalemate

Rail freight workers in the US have secured an immediate pay rise following recommentations from the Presidential Emergency Board.

Threadbare trade on the Silk Road

The war in Ukraine and subsequent sanctions on Russia have hit container shipments by rail between Europe and China, with repercussions for automotive supply and the further complications for ocean freight

Mario Harik to take over as CEO of XPO Logistics

Mario Harik is taking over as CEO of XPO Logistics from Brad Jacobs in the fourth quarter of this year, once the planned spin-off of the company’s online truck brokerage platform is complete.

Low river levels hamper vehicle shipments in Europe

Soaring temperatures and a prolonged dry spell in Europe this summer means river levels are at an all-time low, most notably in the Rhine, which was closed to freight traffic this week.

Montway launches digital platform to track vehicle deliveries

US-based finished vehicle carrier and brokerage firm, Montway Auto Transport, has launched a digital platform to provide better visibility of new and used vehicle movements in the outbound supply chain for both shippers and carriers.

Building vehicle supply chains fit for a digital world

The automotive industry now has the opportunity to reorganise the delivery of a more standardised choice of vehicle supported by the digital revolution in retail. However, there needs to be significant investment by the retailers and more centralised control by the carmakers to ensure the outbound supply chain is more robust, agile, effective and efficient, writes Ben Waller

Watch: Finished Vehicle Logistics survey results – what’s next for global outbound logistics?

In this Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain livestream, Stellantis’s head of vehicle logistics for North America, Nick Thompson, and RPM’s Bill Kerrigan discuss results, trends and actions from the second global Finished Vehicle Logistics global survey.

Russian carriers alarmed over rising fuel prices